stern heavy
 

got a 71 20 ft cc seacraft, closed in transom and installed a livewell in transom,26 inch stainless marine bracket.I have played with some weight up front and as long as I,m the only one in it its great,but when I have some else with me I have to run really trimmed down.I,m running a laser11 19stainless prop.I use the boat mostly for offshore fishing.I,m wondering if anyone has experience with this setup and if I need to go with trim tabs or smart tabs or just one of those doel fins.Oh yeah its a 97 merc 200 top speed 53 mph gps.Got a great deal on the motor,can,t afford to change motors.Any help would be greatly appreciated.Thanks

Re: stern heavy
 

Does the boat porpoise if you don't trim down?

Re: stern heavy
 

Yes especially if my livewell is full and i,ve got a passenger behind the console with me

Re: stern heavy
 

outboard most likely is hung too high

Re: stern heavy
 

Yep just went out and measured and best i can tell while fighting off a swarm of sqeeters is it looks like cav plate is 5 inches above keel

Re: stern heavy
 

when I put the bracket on my 18ft it did the same, I installed a doelfin and that fixed the problem I would suggest you try that they are inexpensive and do work.
Tony

Re: stern heavy
 

Don't forget to drop the motor down on its mounting bracket, if possible!

Re: stern heavy
 

here is a previous post about engine mounting here is the post

Get a straight edge and bring the motor to neutral trim, see where the cavatation plate lines up should 1 to 1 11/2" above the hull bottom. Props with long blades or alot of cup can go higher

Re: stern heavy
 

i,ll start experimenting with it and post results i have to feather the throttle now to keep engine from gettin swamped on stopping.

Re: stern heavy
 

I think this is my post and thats only for transom mounted engines - the set back from the bracket changes everything. Usually the issue is either motor too low or too much weight in the stern or both. If its not cavatating then its not too high.